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How can PCGS grading be so inconsistent?

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Yankeejose

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Auction coin appears to be way over-graded- or am I just still too much of a novice to understand?

I won my first heritage auction- a PCGS 1938 Washington Quarter, MS65 for 138 with buyer's premium. Based on the picture the coin is not the most beautiful coin, the obverse luster appears to be covered by not the best grayish toning- but it has minimal marks. This was why my max bid was only 122. Another 1938- also PCGS- also MS65- also sold in the same auction for 178.02 with BP. Auction 1171, my coin was lot 8554, and the other coin was lot 8553. At first glance the other coin has nicer luster than mine. But if you look at the coin in the close-up view it looks like George was in a knife fight -and lost. The coin has so many bag marks and gouges and cuts that I can't count them. The most noticeable is the 3 dings in his chin. Now I am not questioning or criticizing why this was purchased and for how much was paid. To me each collector has their own priorities and desires and it is none of my business. My issue is with PCGS and how they could grade this other coin as MS65. I would not think a Morgan dollar or Franklin dollar with this many marks in the head would ever grade as MS65.

The main point of my journal is that in general I find it hard to grade MS coins. So far this has prevented me from submitting some of my better coins to NGC for grading. I have been trying to hone my skills by looking at as many already graded MS examples from PCGS and NGC as possible. The example outlined above just frustrates me in my pursuit of that knowledge! It also causes me to question the consistency of the quality of what is supposed to be the top grading company! I know it all comes back the coin, not the holder. But why would anybody ever buy coins sight unseen? Or am I just totally wrong in questioning the MS65 grade on this coin?

This is the link for the coin in question- I would add pictures but it may be considered copy-write infringement. Plus I don't think I can get the close-up detail.

http://coins.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=1171&lotNo=8553

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